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That's precisely what saw the RC go onto a fast clean install of the 32bit 7 when seeing that since the IE 9 beta for Vista wouldn't go on the previous dual boot for some reason. But a clean install of the 64bit host will be eventual only when the softwares need to be renewed.

The Wave 1 turned out to be the RC seen through the regular updates not downloaded separately and still reached the 99% mark despite trying find the one item preventing the install from finishing. But I don't want to exceed the number of times you can activate other softwares and have been still trying to get it on the present install. Disable this, debug that, find reg entries for programs already removed still present, etc.

I have verified with Microsoft that this update is designed to smooth the way for the deployment of future updates on Windows 7 systems (read on to the very end if you’d like the official response from Microsoft). The confusion appears to stem from a timing mistake by the folks at Microsoft, but this incident illustrates the hysteria that can ensue when the world’s largest software company fails — for whatever reason — to be fully transparent with a user base that has come to expect detailed advisories with every patch.

Quote:

On Tuesday Microsoft released KB 976902 to customers of Windows 7 through Windows Update. This update was pre-maturely released in English and the KB article had not been published yet. We are in the process of releasing the KB Article so users have more information about the update. This update is a Servicing Stack Update, which can’t be uninstalled. The update will be released at a later date, and it will be required to ensure compatibility with some future updates.

If you have already installed the update, there is no action required – there is no impact from the update being on your system. We apologize for any confusion this update may have caused.

Also, for extra context – Microsoft did a similar update when we were about to release the SP1 beta (what’s known as a “service stack” update – it helps the OS recognize and work better with the service pack code). As things like a service pack in development hit new milestones (i.e. we just hit RC, before that it was beta), the service stack update gets updated. That’s why folks don’t need to worry about removing it

Well, I guess, that's that! Thank you, Keith. I am grateful for your queries into kb976902 while you had the opportunity and thankful to you for relaying the information to us that was passed on to you. Very much appreciated.

You have to love the reader comments there. "True Paranoia"! When looking over the 70+ updates just seen added on along with the KB976902 they appear normal except for when going to look at two previous updates that lack the MS corporate name.